One-step fabrication of multifunctional composite polyurethane spider-web-like nanofibrous membrane for water purification

Pant, H.R.,Kim, H.J.,Joshi, M.K.,Pant, B.,Park, C.H.,Kim, J.I.,Hui, K.S.,Kim, C.S. Elsevier Scientific Pub. Co 2014 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.264 No.-

A stable silver-doped fly ash/polyurathene (Ag-FA/PU) nanocomposite multifunctional membrane is prepared by a facile one-step electrospinning process using fly ash particles (FAPs). Colloidal solution of PU with FAPs and Ag metal precursor was subjected to fabricate nanocomposite spider-web-like membrane using electrospinning process. Presence of N,N-dimethylformamide (solvent of PU) led to reduce silver nitrate into Ag NPs. Incorporation of Ag NPs and FAPs through electrospun PU fibers is proven through electron microscopy and spectroscopic techniques. Presence of these NPs on PU nanofibers introduces several potential physicochemical properties such as spider-web-like nano-neeting for NPs separation, enhanced absorption capacity to remove carcinogenic arsenic (As) and toxic organic dyes, and antibacterial properties with reduce bio-fouling for membrane filter application. Preliminary observations used for above-mentioned applications for water treatment showed that it will be an economically and environmentally friendly nonwoven matrix for water purification. This simple approach highlights new avenues about the utilization of one pollutant material to control other pollutants in scalable and inexpensive ways.

Carbon nanofibers decorated with binary semiconductor (TiO₂/ZnO) nanocomposites for the effective removal of organic pollutants and the enhancement of antibacterial activities

Pant, Bishweshwar,Pant, Hem Raj,Barakat, Nasser A.M.,Park, Mira,Jeon, Kyungsoo,Choi, Yuri,Kim, Hak-Yong Elsevier 2013 CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL Vol.39 No.6

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A novel photocatalytic and antibacterial carbon nanofiber decorated with TiO<SUB>2/</SUB>ZnO composite NPs was prepared by a simple electrospinning method followed by calcination and hydrothermal treatment. The loading of a small amount of ZnO NPs throughout the fibers prior to electrospinning could provide nucleation sites for the crystal growth of ZnO from its precursor during hydrothermal synthesis and could effectively hold TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/ZnO particles on the surface of the fibers for better stability. The morphology and structure of the as-synthesized particles were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy, which revealed that TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/ZnO NPs were attached on the surface of the carbon nanofibers. The as-synthesized nanocomposite exhibited a strong photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation and showed good antibacterial properties as well. The enhanced photocatalytic performance of the developed nanocomposite can be attributed to the adsorption characteristic of carbon nanofiber and the matched band potentials of TiO<SUB>2</SUB> and ZnO. The perfect recovery of the catalyst after the reaction and its unchanged efficiency for cyclic use showed that it will be an economical and environmentally friendly photocatalyst.</P>

Electrospun CdS-TiO2 doped carbon nanofibers for visible-light-induced photocatalytic hydrolysis of ammonia borane

Pant, Bishweshwar,Pant, Hem Raj,Park, Mira,Liu, Yanan,Choi, Ja-Wun,Barakat, Nasser A.M.,Kim, Hak-Yong Elsevier 2014 CATALYSIS COMMUNICATIONS - Vol.50 No.-

CdS/TiO2 NPs-decorated carbon nanofibers were introduced as a novel photocatalyst working under visible light radiation for the effective hydrolytic dehydrogenation of ammonia borane. Calcination of electrospun nanofiber mats composed of titanium tetraisopropoxide, poly (vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), and cadmium acetate dihydrate with a few drops of ammonium sulfide in argon atmosphere at 850 degrees C led to the production of CdS-TiO2 decorated carbon nanofibers. As-synthesized nanocomposite exhibited a strong photocatalytic activity for catalytic hydrolysis of ammonia-borane. The favorable electrons-transfer properties, better dispersion, high surface area, and adsorption property are the main features of nanocomposites that exhibit high catalytic efficiency. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

RGO/Nylon-6 composite mat with unique structural features and electrical properties obtained from electrospinning and hydrothermal process

Pant, H. R.,Pant, B.,Park, C. H.,Kim, H. J.,Lee, D. S.,Tijing, L. D.,Hwang, B. S.,Kim, H. Y.,Kim, C. S. THE KOREAN FIBER SOCIETY 2013 FIBERS AND POLYMERS Vol.14 No.6

Plastic bottle feeding produces changes in biochemical parameters in human infants – A pilot study

Pant Mahendra K.,Ahmad Abul. H.,Naithani Manisha,Pant Jayanti 대한소아청소년과학회 2022 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.65 No.9

Background: Plastic bottles are widely used by people to feed their infants when breastfeeding is not possible. Bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor is widely used in the manufacturing of plastic wares and is leached out from these plastic wares on exposure to high temperature, changed pH, or cleaning the plastic wares by harsh detergents.Purpose: Feeding through plastic bottles over prolong duration is expected to expose the infants to leached BPA. Hence the present study was taken up to compare the effects of breastfeeding and plastic bottle feeding on biochemical parameters in infants and also detect for the presence of free BPA or its metabolite in the infants.Methods: Biochemical tests like lipid profile, liver function tests, creatine-kinase–MB (CK-MB), serum urea, serum electrolytes were performed on blood samples obtained from infants who were breastfed and plastic bottle fed. Further, plasma and urine samples of the infants were subjected to Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis for detecting free BPA and BPA glucuronide.Results: Biochemical changes in form of raised triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, very low-density lipoproteins and increase in CK-MB, serum urea were observed in plastic bottle fed infants. BPA glucuronide was also detected in the urine of these infants. Free BPA was not detected in plasma or urine samples of the infants except in one plasma sample from bottle-fed group.Conclusion: Plastic bottle feeding may lead to toxic changes in the functioning of organs which manifest as altered biochemical parameters.

Soil Mass Balance for an Alfisol in Greece

Pantelis E. Barouchas,Nicolas Moustakas 한국토양비료학회 2014 한국토양비료학회 학술발표회 초록집 Vol.2014 No.6

Photocatalytic and antibacterial properties of a TiO₂/nylon-6 electrospun nanocomposite mat containing silver nanoparticles

Pant, Hem Raj,Pandeya, Dipendra Raj,Nam, Ki Taek,Baek, Woo-il,Hong, Seong Tshool,Kim, Hak Yong Elsevier 2011 Journal of hazardous materials Vol.189 No.1

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Silver-impregnated TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 nanocomposite mats exhibit excellent characteristics as a filter media with good photocatalytic and antibacterial properties and durability for repeated use. Silver nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully embedded in electrospun TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 composite nanofibers through the photocatalytic reduction of silver nitrate solution under UV-light irradiation. TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NPs present in nylon-6 solution were able to cause the formation of a high aspect ratio spider-wave-like structure during electrospinning and facilitated the UV photoreduction of AgNO<SUB>3</SUB> to Ag. TEM images, UV–visible and XRD spectra confirmed that monodisperse Ag NPs (approximately 4nm in size) were deposited selectively upon the TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NPs of the prepared nanocomposite mat. The antibacterial property of a TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 composite mat loaded with Ag NPs was tested against <I>Escherichia coli</I>, and the photoactive property was tested against methylene blue. All of the results showed that TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/nylon-6 nanocomposite mats loaded with Ag NPs are more effective than composite mats without Ag NPs. The prepared material has potential as an economically friendly photocatalyst and water filter media because it allows the NPs to be reused.</P>

General one-pot strategy to prepare Ag–TiO₂ decorated reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites for chemical and biological disinfectant

Pant, Bishweshwar,Saud, Prem Singh,Park, Mira,Park, Soo-Jin,Kim, Hak-Yong Elsevier 2016 Journal of alloys and compounds Vol.671 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A multifunctional Ag–TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite was prepared by a simple one-step hydrothermal reaction using TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NP (Degussa P25), AgNO<SUB>3</SUB>, and graphene oxide (GO) without reducing agents. Growth of the Ag–TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NPs over GO and reduction of GO were simultaneously carried out under hydrothermal condition. This method provides the notable advantages of a single-step reaction without employing toxic solvents or reducing agents, thereby providing a novel green synthetic route to produce the nanocomposite of Ag–TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/rGO. Further, it enhances the optical response of the nanocomposites and contributed for the absorption of light in the visible spectrum through localized surface plasmon resonance effects. The superior photocatalytic activities, antibacterial properties, and the easy recovery make the Ag– TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/rGO nanocomposite a good promising candidate for wastewater treatment.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Ag–TiO<SUB>2</SUB> decorated graphene was introduced as an effective photocatalyst. </LI> <LI> Single-step reaction without employing toxic solvents or reducing agents. </LI> <LI> The photocatalyst exhibited a strong response to both UV and visible light. </LI> <LI> Reduced charge recombination rate. </LI> <LI> Fast photodegradation and disinfection rate. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Fly-ash-incorporated electrospun zinc oxide nanofibers: Potential material for environmental remediation

Pant, Bishweshwar,Ojha, Gunendra Prasad,Kim, Hak-Yong,Park, Mira,Park, Soo-Jin Elsevier 2019 Environmental pollution Vol.245 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Fly ash (FA), a solid waste generated in thermal power plants, is considered an environmental pollutant. Therefore, measures must be taken to dispose of FA in an environmentally friendly manner. In this paper, an electrospinning technique was employed to incorporate FA particles onto zinc oxide nanofibers (ZnO NFs), and the product (FA/ZnO composite) was used for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from the water. Herein, ZnO NFs may serve as effective semiconductor photocatalysts and provide sufficient surface area for FA, while the FA particles serve as an effective adsorbent. The adsorption capacity and photocatalytic efficiency of the as-synthesized nanocomposite fibers were enhanced compared to those of the pristine ZnO NFs, and this result is attributed to the uniform distribution of FA on the surface of the ZnO NFs. The as-synthesized nanocomposite could have great significance in wastewater treatment.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> FA incorporated ZnO NFs were prepared by electrospinning technique. </LI> <LI> The ZnO NFs provide an excellent support to the FA particles. </LI> <LI> The FA/ZnO nanocomposite removes organic pollutant by adsorption and photocatalysis. </LI> <LI> It can be reused without the loss of photocatalytic activity. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

CdS-TiO₂ NPs decorated carbonized eggshell membrane for effective removal of organic pollutants: A novel strategy to use a waste material for environmental remediation

Pant, Bishweshwar,Park, Mira,Kim, Hak-Yong,Park, Soo-Jin Elsevier 2017 JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS Vol.699 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Eggshell membrane (ESM), which locates between the egg white and the inner surface of the eggshell, is generally considered as waste; however, it can be utilized in various fields. In this contribution, we report a stable CdS-TiO<SUB>2</SUB> decorated carbonized egg shell membrane (CESM) composite for effective removal of methylene blue (MB). The ESM was utilized as a template for the coating of CdS/titanium tetraisopropoxide at its fibrous network and subsequently sintered at inert atmosphere to produce CdS-TiO<SUB>2</SUB> decorated carbonized eggshell membrane (CdS-TiO<SUB>2</SUB>/CESM). The presence of CdS-TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NPs on the CESM fibrous network introduces effective adsorptive and photocatalytic properties for the removal of organic pollutants from water. This study suggests a simple approach to control the pollutant in an eco-friendly way by utilizing a waste material.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> CdS-/TiO<SUB>2</SUB> NPs decorated carbonized egg shell membrane was successfully prepared. </LI> <LI> It exhibited a strong activity for catalytic removal of organic pollutants. </LI> <LI> It showed dual organic pollutants removing process; adsorption and degradation. </LI> <LI> The introduced photocatalyst can be reused. </LI> <LI> Utilization of a waste material to control pollutants. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>